Kyle Hiebert was already planning for an offseason full of numbers.
As soon as St. Louis CITY SC’s season ended, the 26-year-old defender began studying for an upcoming exam to become a certified public accountant. Then, CITY threw some more numbers at him—a new contract that runs through the 2026 season and includes a club option for 2027.
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The new deal is a well-earned reward for Hiebert, who has enjoyed an up-close view of the club’s rise. After helping CITY2 reach the MLS Next Pro finale in 2022, he carved out a role as a reliable MLS regular this past season, while also debuting with the Canadian national team. Now, CITY is making sure the Missouri State product sticks around at CITYPARK for a few more years.
“Kyle has grown exponentially since joining this club, which is why this decision was a no-brainer,” sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel said in a statement. “He continues to excel, both on and off the field, and his positional versatility has been a massive growth in his game.”
It sure has been a whirlwind year for Hiebert, who appeared in 31 matches and logged 2,427 minutes across all competitions. His growth from last year in MLS Next Pro to this past season on the MLS senior circuit was remarkable, and he proved ready to help CITY from the moment the campaign kicked off. With Joakim Nilsson unavailable at the beginning of the year due to injury, Hiebert claimed a starting role at center back on opening night at Austin. He went on to start each of the next seven games at the position, before later transitioning to left back in the club’s 4-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City on May 20. In the middle of it all, Hiebert joined Canada for matches in the Concacaf Nations League.
“I remember at the start, every week just kept getting better and better,” Hiebert said last month. “It was like, ‘What is going on?’ We were winning, then I scored, then I was called into Canada, then I got my first cap, [and] we were setting all kinds of records. Yeah, it was fun. I’m extremely blessed. Looking back, it’s fun just remembering all of the good times along the way.”
For CITY, Hiebert’s versatility may be his greatest strength. He spent varying amounts of time working all along the club’s backline, while demonstrating his ability as one of the most two-footed players in the league. If the offseason unfolds CITY’s way, Hiebert shouldn’t be asked to play out wide nearly as often next season. And yet, to his credit, he’s willing to do whatever is asked of him.
“That’s something I was excited to do. I was able to add some versatility to my game,” Hiebert says. “It’s fun to venture a little bit further forward up the pitch, too. Wherever they need me, I’m happy to slot in. … That’s something that’s important for me, for St. Louis, for Canada, or just my growth as a footballer—can I get better, overall, as a player? I think playing at left back helped do that.”
It also may have helped him stay with the club a little longer than he might have originally anticipated.
